how to sharpen a saw blade

How to Sharpen a Saw Blade – 4 Easy Method

We all know that frustrating feeling when you are ready to pick up your saw while working on your woodworking project, only to find out that the teeth have become dull and unable to accomplish the task that you want to achieve. It would have been nice if you can easily sharpen your saw blade without having to call for someone to do the job for you. In this article, we will share with you easy methods on how to sharpen a saw blade, thus avoiding feelings of frustration. 

1. Sharpening Using a Taper File

Image source

Taper files have been tested as among the effective ways of sharpening saw blades. This depends on the size of the teeth of your saw, whether you need a small taper file or a bigger one. Also, you may either use a single or a double-cut file. Both are effective when it comes to sharpening saw blades. 

Regardless of the size, the file comes in a triangle shape, having each of the three angles at 60 degrees. This allows the file to file the front of every tooth simultaneously with the back of another. 

What You Need

  • Taper file

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Secure the Blade

It is important to secure the saw blade in a vice. Make sure that the file is gripped using your dominant hand right at the base, while the other hand is positioned at the tip. 

Step 2 – Apply Two Strokes

At this point, apply two strokes to the gap in between the teeth. Doing so will allow you to achieve a consistent result. Also, make sure that the taper file is on the same level as the saw teeth angle. 

2. Sharpening Using a Crank Sharpener

Image source

Crank sharpeners are tools that are used to sharpen chainsaw blades. They straddle the saw blades and are powered by cranking the handle. They are best if you are planning to sharpen blades in removed places since they are lightweight and quite portable. 

What You Need

  • Crank sharpener (ex: Timberline chain sharpener)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Insert crank sharpener over the chain

The process of sharpening saw blades using a crank sharpener requires no specific skill. It can be done, even by beginners. All you need to do is to insert the crank sharpener over the chain. 

Step 2 – Wind the crank handle

As you wind the crank handle, the sharpener starts gripping the chain and pulling it to the cutting tools. Most models of crank sharpeners can cut the chain at 25 – 35 degrees. This is the recognized standard-setting. 

3. Sharpening Using an Automatic Sharpener

Image source

Automatic sharpeners are also designed to sharpen chainsaw blades. The chain runs along a sharpening block that is inserted at the sharpener’s tip. Just like the crank sharpener, one of the advantages of this method is that it is very convenient to use. 

What You Need

  • Automatic sharpener

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Insert chainsaw

Start by inserting the chainsaw in the sharpener, making sure that the lid is shut. Turn the chainsaw on, giving it some revs.

Step 2 – Push the sharpener tip

Push the tip of the automatic sharpener against a flat and solid surface, bringing the semi-circular sharpening block in contact with the teeth of the saw. Work in bursts of 5 seconds, and a max of three contacts. While this may not be the best way to get that sharp cutting edge, but it is good enough. 

4. Sharpening Using Diamond Wheel Sharpeners

Image source

Diamond wheel sharpeners work in the same way as grinders since they spin at high speed as the saw blade is applied to the surface. They are usually coated using a 400-diamond grit and works with carbide-tipped saw blades.

What You Need

  • Diamond wheel sharpener

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Apply saw blade to the sharpener surface

This should be done as the wheel starts to rotate. Begin to grind. The 400-diamond grit will hone the saw blade teeth into shape.

Step 2 – Press gently

Avoid pressing the saw blade too harshly, as it will result in an uneven finish. Press gently and make sure that it is at the same angle with the teeth on the blade. 

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to sharpen a saw blade, there is no reason to keep your saw blades dull. Having a sharp blade is essential in accomplishing tasks as cutting. By applying the simple methods mentioned above, you will realize that dull blades will never be a concern to you ever again. 

While there are several other different types of methods that you can use to sharpen a saw blade, those we listed are the most common ones used by experts. Do you have a particular technique that you use in sharpening a saw blade? We would love to hear your thoughts! Share them in the comments section below!


by

Comments

One response to “How to Sharpen a Saw Blade – 4 Easy Method”

  1. […] time. It can cut baseboards and crown moldings like a pro and with its 10-inch 40 teeth carbide tip saw blade, you can rip through anything from wood to […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *